Keys to the Abyss

Chapter 1- Shadows of the Mind: Echos of Dark Dreams.

There were times I would have begged the Dark Lord if I could go back. 

Back to those peaceful moments in life before I was living in hell. 

“Father?” I asked as I rounded the corner to the large kitchen in my family home. He had promised to take me to the fair grounds in the morning for the Festival of the Celestial Lights. 

It was a common occurrence every year for the young adults of our people, the Corvith, who would be given the gift and Ascend. Once one reaches the age of seventeen they precipitate the ceremony. This is when our kind starts to grow our horns. It was an honor to receive such a gift. Some even say depending on the type, color, and style could determine one's abilities. I wondered what mine would be like. 

“Oh, my little love, your father went to an urgent council meeting. He will be back shortly.” My mother turned to cleaning her hands. She was cooking for tonight. She was truly the embodiment of elegance and grace. Her raven black hair and horns that were pure white with a small curl rounding her face, along with her beauty, no wonder my father fell for her. I had always admired her, though I wasn't much of a graceful person. 

My father on the other hand had black hair and almost golden horns. He had strong features and was quite tall. As one of the leaders of our clan I looked up to him and hoped one day I could follow in his footsteps. 

“Oh, he promised he would take me today.” I said, rubbing my eyes. She smiled sweetly and crouched down to my level.

“Little love, you're only eight this year. Even if you miss the celebration you can still see the next. Besides, your Aunt and Uncle will be here to celebrate the Celestial Lights.” I nodded at her. 

Father was always busy due to his position as a part of the council. I hate he was always gone, but knew it was for a good reason.

“Now, go wake your brother.” She said softly as she stood up slowly. 

As I stated to her my eyes became hazy. 

I suddenly felt myself looking at the scene that had just unfolded. 

Another dream?

Or is it a memory? 

How I wish I could reach out and give her one last hug. To tell her how much I missed her cooking. Or how much I missed the days out in the garden listening to her sing as she cared for the plants. 

My chest ached. My throat became tight and I felt myself choke up.

Tears began to swell in my eyes. As I saw the last thing I remember of my mother cross my sight. 

She was on her knees facing me. With a soft smile. 

She mumbled something. I could not make it out and then….

A blade appeared and with a shift motion her head dropped and rolled.

Blood filled my vision. Screams of horror and despair rang as a symphony of death. 

My people, my family, my home are all gone.

I have nothing, no one. I am truly alone.

“I will take this one.” I heard behind me and I turned. I knew the voice before I had even finished looking. 

Lord Veal. He was slender with sharp features. He looked as if he truly was pure evil. Picking and choosing slaves at the market.

I remember as clear as day when his crooked finger pointed at me and my silly thoughts that he might have shown me some type of mercy.